Ruan ( 阮 ) Performance by Nicolai Seetoh

Saturday, 29 Nov 2008
3.00 – 4.00pm
Ruan ( 阮 ) Performance by Nicolai Seetoh
Open stage, library@esplanade

《和令狐仆射小饮听阮咸》

掩抑复凄清，非琴不是筝。
还弹乐府曲，别占阮家名。
古调何人识 ? 初闻满座惊，
落盘珠沥沥，摇佩玉琤琤，
似劝杯中物，如含竹林情。
时移音律改，岂是昔日声。

                               — 白居易

Nic is a professional liuqin performer with the Singapore Chinese Orchestra. Join him in this special performance at library@esplanade, where he plays the ancient Chinese instrument, Ruan ( 阮 ). He will perform some traditional ruan works comprising of solos and duets. Don’t miss this chance to catch an ancient art brought to life again!

You can find out more about the instrument over here.

Repertoire (in Mandarin)

中阮独奏：

• 望秦川

• 终南古韵

• 丝路驼铃

• 松风寒

中阮二重奏：

• 天地之间

中阮，高音阮二重奏：

• 天山之春

• 喀什姑娘

• 牧童短笛

On Seetoh Poh Lam

Seetoh Poh Lam is currently a liuqin performer of the Singapore Chinese Orchestra. He started to learn liuqin and ruan at the tender age of 13 under the tutelage of Mdm Koh Kim Wah, veteran ruan performer in the Singapore Chinese Orchestra.

In 1990, he joined the People’s Association Youth Orchestra and free-lanced for the Singapore Chinese Orchestra. In the later years, he progressed to the role of principal liuqin performer and pluck-stringed leader and often represented the orchestra in oversea trips and cultural exchanges.

In 1991, Seetoh achieved the Merit award in the National Music Competition. In 1992, he won the 3rd prize for the National Chinese Instrumental Solo Competition. In 1993, he won the 3rd prize for the National Music Competition.

Seetoh was very active during the early years of his musical career and was frequently invited by many orchestras as guest musician and guest soloist.

In 1994, Seetoh advanced his technique and knowledge of liuqin performance under the mentorship of Mdm Wang Hongyi, a renowned liuqin performer and lecturer at Tianjin Conservatory of Music. In 1998, Seetoh joined the Singapore Chinese Orchestra as a professional liuqin performer.